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Abstract:

The present invention relates to a standup exercise apparatus that
simulates walking and jogging with arm exercise. More particularly, the
present invention relates to an exercise machine having separately
supported pedals for the feet and arm exercise coordinated with the
motion of the feet where the pedal stride length is determined by the
movements of an operator. Crank arms are positioned on the framework
forward the operator at a height comparable to the pedals. A hydraulic
crossover assembly causes the handles to move in opposing directions.

Claims:

1. An exercise apparatus comprising; a framework, said framework
configured to be supported on a generally horizontal surface; a pair of
crank arms, said crank arms being connected to rotate about a pivot axis
positioned on said framework proximate said horizontal surface; a pair of
support links, each said support link having a lower end pivotally
connected to a respective said crank arm; a pair of foot support members,
each said foot support member having a foot engaging pedal attached at
one end and the other end pivotally connected to the upper end of a
respective said support link; a pair of guides, each said guide operably
associated with the intermediate portion of a respective said foot
support member and with said framework; a crossover assembly, said
crossover assembly operably associated with said foot support members to
cause one said pedal to move in a direction opposed to the other said
pedal; said pedals configured to move relative to said framework when the
foot of an operator is rotating said crank arms whereby said pedals
follow an elongate curve path wherein the stride length of said elongate
curve path is determined by the movement of said operator.

2. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said guide
comprises a rocker link, said rocker link pivotally connected to a
respective said foot support member and to said framework.

3. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a pair
of handle supports, each said handle support pivotally connected to said
framework.

4. The exercise apparatus according to claim 3 further comprising a pair
of handles for arm exercise, each said handle attached to a respective
said handle support.

5. The exercise apparatus according to claim 4 further comprising a pair
of connector links, each said connector link pivotally connected to a
respective said handle support and to a respective said support link.

6. The exercise apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said crossover
assembly comprises: a crossover member, said crossover member pivotally
connected to said framework intermediate the ends of said crossover
member; a pair of crossing links, each said crossing link pivotally
connected to one end of said crossover member and to a respective said
handle support whereby forward movement of one said handle causes the
rearward movement of the other said handle.

7. The exercise apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said handle
support serves as said guide.

8. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said guide
comprises a roller and track, said track attached to said framework and
said roller pivotally connected to a respective said foot support member
and in rollable contact with said track.

9. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said crossover
assembly comprises a pair of hydraulic cylinders, said hydraulic
cylinders coupled so that the pistons within said hydraulic cylinders
move in opposite directions.

10. The exercise apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said track is
adjustable to vary the orientation of said elongate curve path.

11. An exercise apparatus comprising; a framework, said framework
configured to be supported on a generally horizontal surface; a pair of
crank arms, said crank arms being connected to rotate about a pivot axis
positioned on said framework forward an operator and at an elevation
comparable to the movement of the feet of said operator; a pair of
support links, each said support link pivotally connected at the lower
end to a respective said crank arm; a pair of foot support members, each
said foot support member having a foot engaging pedal attached at one end
and pivotally connected at the other end to the upper end of a respective
said support link; a pair of guides, each said guide operably associated
with the intermediate portion of a respective said foot support member
and with said framework; a pair of handle supports, each said handle
support pivotally connected to said framework; a pair of handles for arm
exercise, each said handle attached to a respective said handle support;
a pair of connector links, each said connector link pivotally connected
to a respective said handle support and to the intermediate portion of a
respective said support link; a crossover member, said crossover member
pivotally connected to said framework intermediate the ends of said
crossover member; a pair of crossing links, each said crossing link
pivotally connected to one end of said crossover member and to a
respective said handle support such that forward movement of one said
handle causes the rearward movement of the other said handle; said pedals
configured to move relative to said framework when the foot of said
operator is rotating said crank arms whereby said pedals follow an
elongate curve path wherein the stride length of said elongate curve path
is determined by the movement of said operator.

12. The exercise apparatus according to claim 11 further comprising a
flywheel, said flywheel operably associated with said crank arms.

13. The exercise apparatus according to claim 11 wherein said guide
comprises a rocker link, said rocker link pivotally connected to a
respective said foot support member and to said framework.

14. The exercise apparatus according to claim 11 wherein said guide
comprises a roller and track, said track attached to said framework and
said roller pivotally connected to a respective said foot support member
and in rollable contact with said track.

15. The exercise apparatus according to claim 14 wherein said track is
adjustable to vary the orientation of said elongate curve path.

16. An exercise apparatus configured for operator defined motion
comprising; a framework, said framework configured to be supported on a
generally horizontal surface; a pair of crank arms, said crank arms being
connected to rotate about a pivot axis positioned on said framework
forward said operator adjacent said horizontal surface; a pair of support
links, each said support link pivotally connected at the lower end to a
respective said crank arm; a pair of foot support members, each said foot
support member having a first portion pivotally connected to the upper
end of said support link, a second portion and a foot engaging pedal; a
pair of guides, each said guide pivotally connected to said second
portion of a respective said foot support member and to said framework to
cause said second portion to have a generally back and forth motion; a
pair of handles for arm exercise, each said handle operably associated
with a respective said guide; a crossover assembly, said crossover
assembly operably associated with said guides to cause one said pedal to
move in a direction opposed to the other said pedal; said pedals
configured to move relative to said framework when the foot of said
operator is rotating said crank arms whereby said pedals follow an
elongate curve path wherein the stride length of said elongate curve path
is determined by the range of movement of said handles.

17. The exercise apparatus according to claim 16 wherein said crossover
assembly comprises a pair of hydraulic cylinders, said hydraulic
cylinders coupled so that the pistons within said hydraulic cylinders
move in opposite directions.

18. The exercise apparatus according to claim 16 wherein said crossover
assembly comprises: a crossover member, said crossover member pivotally
connected to said framework intermediate the ends of said crossover
member; a pair of crossing links, each said crossing link pivotally
connected to one end of said crossover member and to a respective said
guide whereby forward movement of one said handle causes the rearward
movement of the other said handle.

19. The exercise apparatus according to claim 16 wherein said guide
comprises a roller and track, said track attached to said framework and
said roller pivotally connected to a respective said foot support member
and in rollable contact with said track.

20. The exercise apparatus according to claim 17 further comprising an
orifice valve, said orifice valve hydraulically coupled to said hydraulic
cylinders to control the rate of transfer of hydraulic fluid between said
cylinders.

Description:

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/385,425 filed Feb. 21, 2012 which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/799,909 filed
May 5, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,133,159, incorporating all of these by
reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a standup exercise apparatus that
simulates walking and jogging with arm exercise. More particularly, the
present invention relates to an exercise machine having separately
supported pedals for the feet and arm exercise coordinated with the
motion of the feet where the pedal stride length is determined by the
movements of an operator. Crank arms are positioned forward the operator
at pedal height.

[0004] 2. State of the Art

[0005] The benefits of regular exercise to improve overall health,
appearance and longevity are well documented in the literature. For
exercise enthusiasts the search continues for safe apparatus that
provides full body exercise for maximum benefit in minimum time.

[0006] Recently, a new category of exercise equipment has appeared on the
commercial market called varying stride elliptical cross trainers. These
cross trainers guide the feet along a closed loop shaped curve to
simulate the motions of jogging and climbing with varying stride lengths.
The shorter stride lengths have pedals which follow up and down curves
that are generally arcuate in shape causing difficult startup. The longer
stride lengths have pedals which follow closed loop curves having more of
a banana shape than elliptical. There is a need for a variable stride
exercise apparatus capable of long, medium and shorter stride lengths
where the pedals always follow generally elliptical curve paths with easy
startup.

[0007] Varying stride elliptical cross trainers are shown without cams in
Rodgers, Jr. U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,828,698 and 7,708,669 as well as U.S. Pat.
Nos. 7,520,839 and 7,530,926 which show a pendulum striding exercise
apparatus having a foot support members hung from a generally horizontal
beam pivoted to achieve the varying stride length pedal curves. Rodgers,
Jr. in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,708,668 and 7,507,184 show exercise apparatus
with flexible support elements having varying stride lengths. Miller in
U.S. Patent Applications 2009/0105049 and 2011/0172062 also shows an
exercise apparatus having varying stride lengths. Eschenbach in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 7,841,968, 7,938,754 and 8,029,416 shows user defined motion
elliptical exercise apparatus with a default elongate curve for easy
starting. Chuang et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 7,608,018 shows a front drive
user defined motion elliptical apparatus. Grind in U.S. Pat. No.
7,922,625 shows an adaptive motion exercise device with oscillating
track. Ohrt et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 7,942,787 shows several adaptive
motion rear drive exercise apparatus.

[0008] It is an objective of this invention to provide an exercise
apparatus having varying stride lengths determined by the movement of an
operator with a default mode for easy starting. A further objective is an
exercise apparatus having varying stride lengths where the pedals follow
elliptical curves for short, medium and long stride lengths.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention relates to the kinematic motion control of
pedals which simulate walking and jogging during operation. More
particularly, apparatus is provided that offers variable intensity
exercise through a leg operated cyclic motion in which the pedal
supporting each foot is guided through successive positions during the
motion cycle while a load resistance acts upon the mechanism.

[0010] The pedals are guided through an oblong curve motion while pedal
angles are controlled to vary about the horizontal during the pedal
cycle. Arm exercise is by handles coordinated with the mechanism guiding
the foot pedals. The range of handle movement generally determines the
pedal stride length.

[0011] In the original embodiment, the apparatus includes a separate pedal
for each foot attached to a foot support member. A pair of crank arms
rotate about a pivot axis positioned on the framework. A pair of support
links are pivotally connected intermediate the ends to the crank arms and
to foot support members. A pair of tracks are supported by the framework
where a track actuator can change the incline. A pair of rollers are each
rotatably attached to a respective foot support member and maintain
rollable contact with a respective track. A pair of handles are attached
to handle supports which are pivotally connected to the framework. A pair
of connector links are pivotally connected to the handle supports and to
one end of the support links. A cross member is pivotally connected to
the framework. A pair of crossing links are pivotally connected to the
cross member and to each handle support. The crossover member and
crossing links form a crossover assembly to cause one handle to move
forward while the other handle moves rearward.

[0012] The stride length of the pedal is generally determined by the range
of movement of the handles. The shortest stride length occurs with no
movement of the handles while the longest stride length of the pedals
occurs with the longest range of movement of the handles. An even shorter
stride is possible using only the feet to determine stride length with
the hands of the user positioned upon the framework.

[0013] Load resistance is applied to the crank in this embodiment by a
pulley which drives a belt to a smaller pulley attached to a flywheel
supported by the framework. A tension belt covers the circumference of
the flywheel to provide friction for load resistance on the intensity of
exercise. A control system can adjust the tension on the tension belt
through a load actuator to vary the intensity of exercise. It should be
understood that other forms of load resistance such as magnetic,
alternator, air fan or others may be applied to the crank. The control
system also can adjust the incline of the tracks with the track actuator
during operation to further change the intensity of exercise.

[0014] In an alternate embodiment, the apparatus includes a separate pedal
for each foot attached to a foot support member. A pair of crank arms
rotate about a pivot axis positioned on the framework forward an operator
at generally pedal height. A pair of drive links are attached to the
crank arms. Drive support links are pivotally connected to the drive
links and the framework. A pair of support links are pivotally connected
to the drive links and to the foot support members. A pair of rocker link
guides are pivotally connected to the framework and to the foot support
members. A pair of handle supports with handles attached are pivotally
connected to the framework. A pair of connector links are pivotally
connected to the handle supports and to the support links. A cross member
is pivotally connected to the framework. A pair of crossing links are
pivotally connected to the cross member and to each handle support. The
crossover member and crossing links form a crossover assembly to cause
one handle to move forward while the other handle moves rearward. Energy
storage devices are connected to the control links and framework to
establish a default position for the control links that is generally
vertical.

[0015] The stride length of the pedal is related to the range of movement
of the handle. The shortest stride length occurs with no movement of the
handles in the default mode for easy starting while the longest stride
length of the pedals occurs with the longest range of movement of the
handles.

[0016] Load resistance is applied to the crank in this embodiment by a
pulley which drives a belt to a smaller pulley attached to a flywheel
supported by the framework. A tension belt covers the circumference of
the flywheel to provide friction for load resistance on the intensity of
exercise. An adjustment knob can adjust the tension on the tension belt
to vary the intensity of exercise. It should be understood that other
forms of load resistance such as magnetic, alternator, air fan or others
may be applied to the crank.

[0017] In an alternate embodiment, the rocker link guides are replaced
with roller and track guides wherein the rollers are pivotally connected
to the foot support members and the tracks are attached to the frame. The
remainder of this embodiment is essentially the same as the alternate
embodiment. Operation is the same as the previous embodiment. Easy
starting occurs in the default mode with the handles held stationary as
the pedals follow a short elongate curve. The longer handle range
followed by the movement of the operator, the longer the stride length
becomes.

[0018] In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a separate
pedal for each foot attached to a foot support member. A pair of crank
arms rotate about a pivot axis positioned on the framework adjacent a
horizontal supporting surface. A pair of support links are pivotally
connected at the lower ends to the crank arms and at the upper ends to
foot support members. A pair of tracks are supported by the framework
where the incline can be changed. A pair of rollers are each rotatably
attached to a respective foot support member and maintain rollable
contact with a respective track. A pair of handle supports are pivotally
connected to the framework which have handles attached. A pair of
connector links are pivotally connected to the handle supports and to the
support links. A cross member is pivotally connected to the framework. A
pair of crossing links are pivotally connected to the cross member and to
each handle support. The crossover member and crossing links form a
crossover assembly to cause one handle to move forward while the other
handle moves rearward.

[0019] The stride length of the pedal is generally determined by the range
of movement of the handles. The shortest stride length occurs with no
movement of the handles while the longest stride length of the pedals
occurs with the longest range of movement of the handles. An even shorter
stride is possible using only the feet to determine stride length with
the hands of the user positioned upon the framework.

[0020] Load resistance is applied to the crank in this embodiment by a
pulley which drives a belt to a smaller pulley attached to a flywheel
supported by the framework. A tension belt covers the circumference of
the flywheel to provide friction for load resistance on the intensity of
exercise. A control system can adjust the tension on the tension belt
through a load actuator shown in FIG. 1 to vary the intensity of
exercise. It should be understood that other forms of load resistance
such as magnetic, alternator, air fan or others may be applied to the
crank. The control system also can adjust the incline of the tracks with
a track actuator shown in FIG. 1 during operation to further change the
intensity of exercise.

[0021] In an alternate embodiment, the guides are a pair of rocker links
pivotally attached to the foot supports and to the framework. The handles
are attached to the rocker links. The crossover assembly uses two
hydraulic cylinders with crossing links pivotally connected to the rocker
links and to the framework. The hydraulic cylinders are coupled with
hydraulic hoses so that the pistons move in opposite directions. Further,
orifice control valves allow the rate of movement of the pistons to be
varied. Load resistance and operation are similar to the preferred
embodiment.

[0022] In summary, this invention provides varying elliptical stride
lengths as determined by the movement of an operator. The pedals move
through elongate curves that simulate walking and jogging with very low
joint impact. Arm exercise has a variable range of motion coordinated
with the pedal movements. Pedal curves remain generally elliptical in
shape throughout the range of variation. Easy starting occurs in the
default mode.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] FIG. 1 is a left side elevation view of the original embodiment;

[0024] FIG. 2 is the rear view of the original embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

[0025]FIG. 3 is a left side elevation view of an alternate embodiment of
an exercise machine;

[0026]FIG. 4 is the front view of an alternate embodiment shown in FIG.
3;

[0027] FIG. 5 is a left side elevation view of an alternate embodiment;

[0028] FIG. 6 is a left side elevation view of the preferred embodiment of
an exercise machine constructed in accordance with the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 7 is the rear view of the preferred embodiment shown in FIG.
6;

[0030] FIG. 8 is a left side elevation view of an alternate embodiment;

[0031] FIG. 9 is an elevation view of the hydraulic crossover assembly
shown in FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0032] Referring to the drawings in detail, pedals 46 and 48 are shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 in forward and rearward positions of the preferred
embodiment. Crank arms 4,6 rotate about pivot axis 7 on framework 70.
Foot support members 14,16 have pedals 46,48 attached. Support links 8,10
are connected intermediate the ends to crank arms 4,6 at pivots 9,11 and
to foot support members 14,16 at pivots 13,15. Tracks 90,94 are attached
to frame members 74 at pivot 93 and to track actuator 96 which is also
attached to framework 74. Rollers 40,44 are connected to foot support
members 14,16 at pivots 41,43 and are in rollable contact with tracks
90,94.

[0033] Handles 36,38 are attached to handle supports 80,84 which are
connected to framework 70 at pivot 39. Connector links 30,34 are
connected to handle supports 80,84 at pivots 35,37 and to one end of
support links 8,10 at pivots 31,33. Crossover member 56 is connected to
framework 70 at pivot 55. Crossing links 50,54 are connected to crossover
member 56 at pivots 53,59 and to handle supports 80,84 at pivots 51,57.
Crossover member 56 and crossing links 50,54 form a crossover assembly as
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 that cause handle 36 to move forward when handle
38 moves rearward.

[0034] Load resistance is imposed upon cranks 4,6 by pulley 49 which
drives flywheel 63 by belt 69 coupled to pulley 71 which is supported by
the framework 70 at shaft 61. Tension belt 64 encompasses flywheel 63
with load actuator 66 connected for adjustment to vary the intensity of
exercise on the exercise apparatus. Control system 68 is connected to
load actuator 66 and track actuator 96 with wires 67,65,95 using
conventional means not shown. Control system 68 can be programmed to
adjust tension belt 64 using load actuator 66 or to change the incline of
tracks 90,94 using track actuator 96 to vary the intensity of exercise
during operation. Framework 70 is attached to longitudinal frame members
74 which are attached to cross members 73,75 that are supported by a
generally horizontal surface.

[0035] Operation begins when an operator places the feet upon the pedals
46,48 in the default side by side position of pedals 46,48. Moving the
handles 36,38 and applying body weight to pedals 46,48 starts the crank
arms 4,6 moving with ease. Holding handles 36,38 generally still as
denoted by handle position 1', pedals 46,48 move through a relatively
short pedal curve 1 shown in FIG. 1. Allowing the handles 36,38 to move
through handle range 3' causes pedals 46,48 to move along pedal curve 3.
Allowing handles 36,38 to move through handle range 5' results in pedal
curve 5. Even shorter pedal curves are possible when the user is not
grasping the handles whereby only the feet of the user define the motion.

[0036] In an alternate embodiment, pedals 46 and 48 are shown in FIGS. 3
and 4 in forward and rearward positions. Crank arms 4,6 rotate about
pivot axis 7 positioned forward of an operator at generally pedal height
on framework 70. Foot support members 14,16 have pedals 46,48 attached at
the ends. Drive links 20,22 are connected to crank arms 4,6 at pivots
9,11. Drive link supports 86,88 are connected to drive links 20,22 at
pivots 77,79 and to framework 70 at pivot 87. Support links 8,10 are
connected to drive links 20,22 at pivots 21,23 and to foot support
members 14,16 at pivots 13,15. Guides 26,28 are connected to framework 70
at pivot 17 and to foot support members 14,16 at pivots 25,27. For this
embodiment, guides 26,28 are further described as rocker links 26,28.

[0037] Handles 36,38 are attached to handle supports 80,84 which are
connected to framework 70 at pivot 39. Connector links 30,34 are
connected to handle supports 80,84 at pivots 35,37 and to support links
8,10 at pivots 31,33. Crossover member 56 is connected to framework 70 at
pivot 55. Crossing links 50,54 are connected to crossover member 56 at
pivots 53,59 and to handle supports 80,84 at pivots 51,57. Crossover
member 56 and crossing links 50,54 form a crossover assembly as shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4 that cause control link 80 to move forward when control
link 84 moves rearward.

[0038] Energy storage devices 60,62 are shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 as springs
60,62 connected to handle supports 80,84 at pivots 83,85 and to framework
70 at pivot 47. Springs 60,62 are intended to cause handle supports 80,84
to have a bias towards the default vertical position where the shortest
stride occurs at elongate curve 1.

[0039] Load resistance is imposed upon cranks 4,6 by pulley 49 which
drives flywheel 63 by belt 69 and pulley 71. Flywheel 63 is supported by
framework 70 at pivot 61. Tension belt 64 encompasses flywheel 63 for
adjustable load resistance using adjustment knob 91 to vary the intensity
of exercise on the exercise apparatus. Framework 70 is attached to
longitudinal frame members 74 and to cross members 73,75 that are
supported by a generally horizontal surface.

[0040] Operation begins when an operator places the feet upon the pedals
46,48 in the default side by side position of pedals 46,48. In the
default mode, handle supports 80,84 are caused to be generally vertical
in a side by side position by springs 60,62. Other forms of energy
storage devices 60,62 may also be used. In the default mode, pedals 46,48
will follow the shortest stride length along default elongate curve 1.
Startup is easy along the default elongate curve 1. Handles 36,38 remain
generally stationary at position 1' while pedals 46,48 follow elongate
curve 1. When handles 36,38 move through handle range 3', pedals 46,48
move along pedal curve 3. When handles 36,38 move through an even greater
handle range 5', pedals 46,48 follow pedal curve 5. The maximum stride
occurs when pedals 46,48 follow pedal curve 2 while handles 36,38 have
the handle range 2'.

[0041] An alternate embodiment is shown in FIG. 5 which is essentially the
same as the alternate embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 except that
guides 26,28 have been replaced with rollers 40,44 and tracks 90 serving
as guides. Tracks 90 are attached to framework 70 and 74 at a
predetermined angle. However, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 tracks 90 can be
configured to have adjustable angles. Rollers 40,44 are connected to the
foot support members 14,16 at pivots 41,43. The remainder of this
alternate embodiment is essentially the same as the previous embodiment
of FIGS. 3 and 4. Operation is the same as the previous embodiment where
only pedal curves 2 and 5 are being shown in FIG. 5.

[0042] Referring to the drawings in detail, pedals 46 and 48 are shown in
FIGS. 6 and 7 in forward and rearward positions of the preferred
embodiment. Crank arms 4,6 rotate about pivot axis 7 positioned adjacent
to a horizontal supporting surface on framework 70. Foot support members
14,16 have pedals 46,48 attached. Support links 8,10 are connected at the
lower ends to crank arms 4,6 at pivots 9,11 and are connected at the
upper ends to foot support members 14,16 at pivots 13,15. Tracks 90 are
attached to frame members 74 at pivots 93 and track support pins 97.
Tracks 90 can be repositioned by moving to alternate track support pins
98 or using an actuator 96 shown in FIG. 1. Rollers 40,44 are connected
to foot support members 14,16 at pivots 41,43 and are in rollable contact
with tracks 90.

[0043] Handle supports 80,84 are pivotally connected to the framework at
pivot 39. Handles 36,38 are attached to handle supports 80,84. Connector
links 30,34 are connected to handle supports 80,84 at pivots 35,37 and to
support links 8,10 at pivots 31,33. Crossover member 56 is connected to
framework 70 at pivot 55. Crossing links 50,54 are connected to crossover
member 56 at pivots 53,59 and to handle supports 80,84 at pivots 51,57.
Crossover member 56 and crossing links 50,54 form a crossover assembly as
shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 that cause handle 36 to move forward when handle
38 moves rearward.

[0044] Load resistance is imposed upon cranks 4,6 by pulley 49 which
drives flywheel 63 by belt 69 coupled to pulley 71 which is supported by
the framework 70 at shaft 61. Tension belt 64 encompasses flywheel 63
with knob 91 connected for adjustment to vary the intensity of exercise
on the exercise apparatus. Framework 70 is attached to longitudinal frame
members 74 which are attached to cross members 73,75 that are supported
by a generally horizontal surface.

[0045] Operation begins when an operator places the feet upon the pedals
46,48 in the default side by side position of pedals 46,48. Moving the
handles 36,38 and applying body weight to pedals 46,48 starts the crank
arms 4,6 moving with ease. Holding handles 36,38 generally still, pedals
46,48 move through a relatively short pedal curve 1 shown in FIG. 6.
Allowing the handles 36,38 to move causes pedals 46,48 to move along
pedal curve 3. Allowing handles 36,38 to move a larger amount results in
pedal curve 5. Moving the handles 36,38 through the maximum range results
in pedal curve 2.

[0046] The alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 8 is similar to the
preferred embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7 except that rollers 40,44 and
tracks 90 serving as guides are replaced with rocker links 26,28. Handles
36,38 are attached to rocker links 26,28. Crossing links 50,54 are
pivotally connected to rocker links 26,28 at pivots 51,57 and slide into
hydraulic cylinders 102 and 104 also shown in FIG. 9. Hydraulic cylinders
102,104 are coupled with hydraulic hoses 107 and orifice valves 103,105.
As crossing link 50 moves attached piston 110 into hydraulic cylinder
102, hydraulic fluid is transferred to hydraulic cylinder 104 through
hydraulic hoses 107 causing piston 112 to move attached crossing link 54
out of hydraulic cylinder 104. Adjustment of the orifice valves 103 and
105 controls the rate of hydraulic fluid transfer which controls the rate
of movement of handles 36,38. Adjustment of the orifice valves 103,105
can occur from a remote location such as a control panel 68 shown in FIG.
1. Another crossover design would replace one of the orifice valves such
as 105 with a pair of cylinder return springs (not shown). The hydraulic
crossover assembly can be used in all of the other embodiments shown.
Operation and load resistance are similar to the preferred embodiment.

[0047] In summary, the present invention has distinct advantages over
prior art because the elliptical stride movement of the pedals 46,48
change with the range of movement of the handles 36,38 while maintaining
a generally elliptical pedal curves 1,3,5,2 even for the longest pedal
stride. Easy starting occurs in when the handles 36,38 are held
stationary.

[0048] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms
without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The
described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as
illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is,
therefore, indicated by the claims, rather than by foregoing description.
All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the
claims are to be embraced within their scope.